You might remember Howard Dean. He’s the former five-term governor of liberal Vermont, current chair of the Democratic National Committee. In mid January 2004, he seemed just inches away from becoming his party’s presidential nominee. Polling thirty points clear in the key primary state of New Hampshire, running ahead all over the country. His unequivocal stance against the war in Iraq resonated with the activist base of the party, far more influential in the internet era than ever before. Via his website, ordinary people were donating small amounts in unprecedented numbers to the campaign. The phenomenon was evident enough to gain a name that entered the lexicon: netroots. With the support of his energetic believers and net legions, Dean had for months borne the mantle of frontrunner. 

The winsome cornbelt state of Iowa had other ideas. In the angry public stoush between Dean and unionist candidate Dick Gephardt over the weeks leading up to election day in Iowa, both were casualties. Dean finished third in the caucuses behind John Kerry and John Edwards. Above the roar of a crowd that could hardly be heard on television, he bellowed a concession, and it sounded to America like a squeal. A month and two losing primaries later, he was out of the race. Kerry was the presumptive nominee. The Democrats closed ranks.